DecodedCars2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD 2.4 Gl Premium, 4dr SUV AWD 3.5 Gl/3.5 Gl Sport/3.5, 4dr SUV FWD 2.4 Gl/Gl Premium, 4dr SUV FWD 3.5 Gl/3.5 Gl Sport
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,686–4,118 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,975 lb (4dr SUV AWD 2.4 Gl Premium).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 10% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Santa Fe — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Santa Fe →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Santa Fe configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD 2.4 Gl Premium | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 70.9 in | 106.3 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 3,975 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV AWD 3.5 Gl/3.5 Gl Sport/3.5 | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 70.9 in | 106.3 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 4,118 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD 2.4 Gl/Gl Premium | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 70.9 in | 106.3 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 3,686 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD 3.5 Gl/3.5 Gl Sport | 184.3 in | 74.4 in | 70.9 in | 106.3 in | 63.8 / 63.8 in | 3,900 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +10% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Santa Fe 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Santa Fe 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +5% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Santa Fe 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Santa Fe 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | 0% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Similar 2012 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (1)
Engine · Dec 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 128,948 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 173 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Suspension — 14 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 102,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Santa Fe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Santa Fe | 36 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 58 |
| 2025 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 240 |
| 2024 Santa Fe | 36 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 191 |
| 2023 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 291 |
| 2022 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 265 |
| 2021 Santa Fe | 34 | 188.6 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 187 |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 218 |
| 2019 Santa Fe | 25 | 187.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 229 |
| 2018 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 432 |
| 2017 Santa Fe | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 1,327 |
| 2016 Santa Fe | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →